The Grand Explorer

Day 1 – Welcome & day walk on the Kepler Track

After meeting your guides and fellow travellers in Queenstown, you’ll embark on your long-awaited New Zealand adventure. This morning we'll head to Fiordland National Park and your first Great Walk, The Kepler Track. Known for its glacier-carved fiords, rugged granite mountains, and otherworldly moss-covered forests, Fiordland National Park is the perfect start to your New Zealand trip with us!

Hike the Kepler Track

The Kepler Track is renowned for its vivid green moss, native beech forest, and stunning mountain ranges. We’ll walk the section from Rainbow Reach up to Moturau Hut, following the Waiau River through beech forest and wetlands until we emerge out onto the spectacular viewpoint at the lakeside Moturau Hut. Cast your eyes out over beautiful Lake Manapouri, framed against a backdrop of Fiordland peaks for a spectacular welcome, or welcome back, to New Zealand! 

Afterward, we’ll head to our accommodation in Te Anau. You'll have the chance to relax before tomorrow’s adventures, or take a self-guided walk along Lake Te Anau, the second largest lake in New Zealand, straight from your hotel room!

Tonight we stay at Radfords on the Lake*

Day 2 – Day walk on the Milford Track and cruise Milford Sound

Today, we’ll journey through some of the most spectacular and dramatic views in the country. We leave Te Anau and head to Milford Sound, the Eighth Wonder of the World. There are many highlights along the drive, including the glacier-carved Eglinton Valley, the Divide and Homer Tunnel. Keep an eye out for the cheeky Kea, NZ’s alpine parrot.

When we arrive in Milford Sound, we’ll board a small boat that will take us across the fiord to the world-famous Milford Track, your second Great Walk of the trip. We’ll walk through this unique World Heritage area, underneath a canopy of towering, emerald-green ferns, to the tumbling falls of Giant’s Gate. Be sure to take a moment to listen to the birdsong that echoes through the forest.

This afternoon, we’ll take a nature cruise on Milford Sound. We’ll check out Bowen Falls, Sinbad Gully and the dramatic Mitre Peak, as we make our way towards the Tasman Sea. This is your chance to learn more about the unique Fiordland environment from your Milford Sound guide on board, while enjoying the sights and sounds of waterfalls tumbling down around you.

Tonight we stay at Radfords on the Lake again*

Day 3 – Explore Arrowtown, High Country Lakes and Aoraki/ Mount Cook

fter a relaxed start this morning, we'll make our way to the gorgeous mountain setting of Arrowtown. Arrowtown is a quaint gold mining town bursting with history. We'll enjoy a walk along the Arrow River Trail and have the chance to explore the Chinese Goldmining Settlement. This afternoon, we’ll journey to the heart of the Southern Alps, Aoraki/ Mount Cook National Park, an area of vast snow-covered mountains and glacier-fed lakes. This National Park is truly a jewel in New Zealand’s crown. Named in honour of our highest peak, the majestic mountains tower above bright turquoise lakes, surrounded by vast fields of golden tussock. With a settlement population of less than 100 people and building restrictions enforced, Aoraki/ Mount Cook offers not only a feast for the eyes, but rare tranquillity.

Hike the Arrow River Trail

Welcome to our backyard! Queenstown and the surrounding areas are an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. This morning, we’ll travel to historic Arrowtown, where you’ll walk the Arrow River Trail. A favourite with the locals, this trail meanders alongside the crystal-clear waters of the Arrow River and beneath a canopy of leafy green trees.

Aoraki/ Mt Cook National Park

After a morning of exploring our local trails, you can rest your legs as we travel out of the Otago region and towards New Zealand’s highest peak, standing tall at 3,724m (over 12,000 feet). Along the way, we’ll travel over the Lindis Pass and down into wide open valleys before catching our first glimpse of Aoraki/ Mt Cook, ‘the cloud piercer’ as it’s known in Maori. Tonight, we’ll stay in the heart of the National Park. This area is a UNESCO International Dark Sky Reserve, which means all you need do is step outside and look up for some world-class star-gazing this evening.

Tonight we stay at The Hermitage Hotel*

Day 4 – Hiking in  Aoraki/ Mt Cook National Park

Day 5 - Explore Tekapo & Christchurch

Today’s journey takes us from mountain to ocean as we head through the fertile plains of Canterbury towards the East Coast. This morning, we'll explore the lakeside town of Tekapo. The unreal colour of Lake Tekapo contrasts brilliantly against our highest peaks in the distance, creating the perfect backdrop for photos you’ll treasure in years to come. This afternoon, we head through to Christchurch. The city of Christchurch is a lovely spot, with a mix of green parks and state-of-the-art architecture. The Avon River weaves its way through a city in the process of regeneration, with plenty to see including the colourful, Spanish Mission architecture of New Regent Street, the curious cardboard cathedral and lush botanical gardens.

Hike Mt John Summit Loop or hike from Lake Tekapo to the Summit of Mt John

Depending on how much activity you're feeling like today, you can choose to either hike to the summit of Mt John from Lake Tekapo or catch a ride to the top with your guide and explore the Mt John Summit Loop. Whichever option you choose, you'll look out over 360-degree views across the impressive Mackenzie Basin flats and surrounding mountains and lakes. After our hike, we’ll check out the famous and much photographed Church of the Good Shepherd, as well as Tekapo’s statue of the working dog, commissioned in 1968 by local farmers to pay tribute to the role these intelligent canines played in working the land. This afternoon, after we explore Mackenzie country and learn of its history. We’ll travel towards Christchurch and watch as the passing scenery shifts from tussock and mountain, to the lush Canterbury plains and arable land.

Tonight we stay at Distinction Christchurch*

Day 6 - Swim with or watch dolphins in Kaikoura

Just north of Christchurch lies the small coastal town of Kaikoura. The Kaikoura Peninsula is a striking area, set on the edge of a deep continental shelf where towering cliffs meet an ocean floor that plunges even further in the other direction. The nutrient-rich water and startling topography has created a unique mecca for an abundance of marine life. Whales, dolphins, fur seals, and more are thriving in ideal conditions and are a regular sight in the waters off the mainland.

Dolphin Swimming or Watching

The dolphins we’ll meet today are totally wild, and it's their choice whether they interact with us or not, and they usually do!

These dusky dolphins are well-known for their interactive behaviour as well as their acrobatic feats and usually love to put on a show for us. The tour is an educational experience that is designed not to interfere with the natural behaviour, routines or habitat of the dolphins. There are strict regulations in place to protect and respect the dolphins and to keep you safe in the water. Our boats are well-equipped with swimming/snorkelling platforms. Whether you opt to get in the water or watch from the boat, it’s a joyful experience for all. Many of our guests have told us this is one of the highlights of their New Zealand tour.

Tonight we stay at Sudima Kaikoura*

Day 7 - Hike the Honeydew track and water taxi to Awaroa

Today, we'll head to Nelson Lakes National Park where we will enjoy a tranquil walk along the shoreline of Lake Rotoiti, before heading into the native beech forest on the stunning Honeydew loop trail. Then, you’ll head to Abel Tasman National Park.

Honeydew loop trail

The Honeydew loop track is a comfortable 45 minute walk that takes us further into the Rotoiti Nature Recovery Project area. Many native birds including bellbirds, fantails and tūī are common in this area. You may also glimpse kākā or hear kākāriki chattering as they fly through the canopy.

Abel Tasman National Park

Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand’s smallest national park and one of our most iconic. With its golden sand beaches, crystal clear water and lush native forest, it’s a hiker's paradise.

Later on day 7, you’ll head to Abel Tasman National Park where you'll board a water taxi from Kaiteriteri to the exclusive Awaroa Lodge, which is only accessible by boat or foot. Here you can relax on the beachfront sundeck, enjoy a lovely meal and stargaze before bed!

Tonight we stay at Awaroa Lodge*

Day 8 - Hike Awaroa to Bark Bay

Today, you will embark on a truly stunning, expert guided walk from Awaroa to Bark Bay. You’ll follow the coastal track through lush native forest, before reaching more of the regions much-loved golden sand beaches. As always, today you can choose to walk as much or as little as you want to. There are several water taxi pickup locations along the trail today, so you can choose to walk anywhere between two and six hours.

After a morning of exploring Abel Tasman National Park’s coastline, we take a water taxi boat to Awaroa where you'll stay beachfront again at  Awaroa Lodge. Surrounded by pristine waterways and native forest, Awaroa Lodge has been constructed to make the most of its stunning secluded location.

Named in the top 10 best beaches in the world by Conde Nast Traveller, Awaroa Beach is affectionately known as the "People's beach" after 40,000 New Zealanders got together to collectively purchase the previously privately owned beach.

Tonight we stay at Awaroa Lodge again*

Day 9 - Kayak in Abel Tasman National Park and unwind at Maruia Hot Springs

Abel Tasman National Park is renowned for its golden beaches, granite cliffs and world-famous coastal track. Today, we will take a boat cruise into the serene Torrent Bay, before exploring some of the most idyllic and iconic parts of the Abel Tasman coastline by kayak.

Torrent Bay

Kayaking Torrent Bay will get you up close to a number of unforgettable landmarks including Cleopatra’s pool and Pinnacle Island. Keep an eye out for the resident seals and blue penguins!

Maruia Hot Springs

This afternoon, we will take a water taxi to Marahau. From here, we'll begin your journey to Maruia Hot Springs where we will spend the night. Maruia Hot Springs is tucked among the snow-capped Southern Alps on the picturesque Lewis Pass national reserve. Relax and unwind in these award-winning hot springs after a day of exploring Abel Tasman National Park.

Tonight we stay at Maruia Hot Springs*

Day 10 - Explore Paparoa National Park, Lewis Pass and Pancake Rocks

With its towering limestone cliffs and lush vegetation, this area feels like something straight out of Jurassic Park. Today, we’ll hike a fantastic track through Paparoa National Park, check out the blowholes and limestone formations of the Pancake Rocks. We will also explore the magnificent Lewis Pass.

Lewis Pass Nature Walk

The Lewis Pass Nature Walk is a short walk through alpine wetland, beautiful forests and meadows. You will hear birds singing and see flora bursting with colour along the way. From the trail, you can enjoy panoramic views of the snow-capped Gloriana Peak and the Spenser Mountains.

Hike Paparoa National Park & visit the Pancake Rocks

We’ll hike the Porarari Loop Track this morning, through Paparoa National Park, a visually rich area made up of dense sub-tropical forest and limestone cliff gorges. You’ll also have the chance to check out an interesting geographical phenomenon in the town of Punakaiki – the curious looking but aptly named Pancake Rocks. The unusual limestone formations, overlaid with soft mud and clay, have been forged over millions of years by the immense pressure of the sea, wind and rain, creating the pancake effect we see today.

Tonight we stay at the Scenic Hotel Punakaiki*

Day 11 - Walk Hokitika Gorge and Point Elizabeth Walkway

Today, you’ll enjoy mountains, beaches and a tantalisingly crystal blue gorge, all in one day. We’ll kick start the day with a walk along the stunning Point Elizabeth coastal walkway. We’ll then travel to Hokitika, known as the greenstone capital of the world, where we’ll explore the magnificent Hokitika Gorge. Hokitika Gorge is one of the West Coast’s most instantly recognisable scenes.

This evening, we’ll relax in the tiny town of Franz Josef, tucked into the Southern Alps right in the heart of Glacier Country.

Point Elizabeth Walkway

We’ll take a walk along a stunning, well surfaced, coastal walkway. The Point Elizabeth Walkway is a bush track with unparalleled views of Mount Cook and the Paparoa Mountain Range. There are many birds, adding a beautiful soundtrack to our walk today. The track also follows the historic 19th century water race, built by miners to sluice their gold claims.

Hokitika Gorge Walk

This afternoon, we will walk along the glacial fed Hokitika Gorge. Ice, water, rock and age-old natural forces helped create the visual beauty of the Hokitika Gorge. A true photogenic gem, you’ll enjoy brilliant turquoise water fringed with stark white limestone cliffs and lush green rainforest. These glacial waters carry precious pounamu (New Zealand jade/greenstone) from the mountains down to the sea.

Tonight we say at Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier*

Day 12 - Explore the Lake Matheson Track and Monro Beach

Keep your camera handy today to capture the picture-perfect views of Lake Matheson and Franz Josef Glacier’s terminal face, as we continue our journey along the West Coast. We’ll spend a relaxed evening in the tiny town of Franz Josef, tucked into the Southern Alps right in the heart of Glacier Country.

Lake Matheson Track

Today, we'll walk on the Lake Matheson Track where you'll enjoy stunning views of Aoraki/ Mt Cook and our towering Southern Alps. Renowned for its glassy still waters, you'll enjoy spectacular mirror-like reflections across Lake Matheson as we make our way through native forest and learn about the fascinating glacial history of the area.

Monro Beach

This track passes through luxuriant coastal forest to the remote Monro Beach. Monro Beach is home to an abundance of native flora and fauna, including tūī, bellbird, kereru, and the rarest species of penguin in the world – the tawaki/ Fiordland crested penguin.

Tonight we stay at Wanaka Homestead*

Day 13 - Scenic helicopter, hike and jetboat in Mount Aspiring National Park

Get ready for a real Kiwi backcountry experience - this is the stuff legendary holiday tales are made of! We’ll begin the day with a scenic helicopter ride deep into the heart of Mt Aspiring National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. After a tasty picnic lunch, we'll begin our walk along a well-marked track through the thick forest, linking the Siberia Valley to the Wilkin Valley wilderness below. Be on the lookout for native birds along the way and the many photo opportunities as you immerse yourself in nature. On reaching the Wilkin River at Kerin Forks, jet boats will be waiting to take us for a thrilling 30-minute ride down the Wilkin and Makarora Rivers back to the Makarora Village. Get a whole different perspective on this dramatic valley, as you watch the landscape rush by and feel the wind in your hair.

Scenic Helicopter Flight into Mount Aspiring National Park

Today's adventure begins by boarding a Squirrel Helicopter before we take flight deep into the heart of the 355,000ha Mount Aspiring National Park. Look out across winding rivers, virgin beech forest, glaciated valleys, alpine lakes, glaciers and the towering Southern Alps, before landing on the remote Siberia Valley. Once on the ground, we'll head up the valley to a backcountry hut with unbeatable views of the surrounding peaks.

Hike Siberia Valley

After a tasty lunch, we'll begin our walk along a well-marked track through the thick forest linking the Siberia Valley to the Wilkin Valley wilderness below. Be on the lookout for native birds and the many photo opportunities along the way, as you immerse yourself in nature. The track was originally used by Mount Albert Station to take stock into the valley for grazing. 

Wilderness Jet Boat Trip

Jet boats were invented in 1954 in New Zealand by Sir William Hamilton for the shallow waters of our braided rivers. Jet boating originally started on the Wilkin River in 1968, transporting venison out of the mountains before hiking and commercial work became more commonplace. On reaching the Wilkin River at Kerin Forks, jet boats will be waiting to take us for a thrilling 30-minute ride down the Wilkin and Makarora Rivers back to the Makarora Village. Get a whole different perspective on this dramatic valley as you watch the landscape rush by and feel the wind in your hair.

After all of that adventure, we'll head to the peaceful lakeside town of Wanaka.

Tonight we stay at Wanaka Homestead again*

Day 14 – Lake Wanaka boat cruise and hike in Mou Waho Island wildlife reserve

This morning, we cruise across picturesque Lake Wanaka to the tiny island wildlife sanctuary of Mou Waho.

Lake Wanaka Cruise & Island Wildlife Walk

Close to the centre of Lake Wanaka is Mou Waho Island Nature Reserve, accessible by a 35-minute boat ride. Accompanied by our favourite eco-warrior and long-time local guide, we’ll walk a well-formed track that gently climbs through native bush to the top of Tyrwhitt Peak. From our vantage point, there’s a sweeping 360-degree view of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountains and valleys.

This afternoon, we'll finish our adventure in Queenstown with a farewell lunch and wine tasting at one of Otago’s finest wineries, Gibbston Valley. It’s time to say goodbye to your guides, travel companions, and new-found friends as we drop you at the airport or your accommodation. If you’re joining us to explore the North Island on our Sweet North trip, we’ll ensure a smooth transition for you. If not, we hope to see you again soon in the Land of the Long White Cloud.